Budget-Friendly 5G Smartphones: Our Top 5 Picks for 2023

With the wide variety of smartphones available in the market these days, picking the right smartphone that suits your needs and lifestyle may be a bit challenging. If you are not looking to splurge but still want the best features on your smartphone, worry not, read on to discover some of the best budget-friendly smartphones available.

1. Samsung Galaxy A53 5G

Without the high price tag of the Samsung S-series, the Galaxy A53 still packs a punch with its 5G connectivity, which allows for faster download and upload speeds compared to traditional 4G networks.

https://www.samsung.com/

This phone is also equipped with an ultrawide lens for capturing photos with a wider field of view, as well as night-mode photography. While it may not have the same level of camera quality as higher-end devices, it still produces good photos and videos, especially in well-lit conditions. Additionally, the Galaxy A53 5G boasts a long-lasting battery, support for four guaranteed generations of Android operating system updates, and a microSD card slot for expandable storage.

2. Realme 10 Pro 5G

The Realme 10 Pro 5G offers some great features and capabilities despite its price range, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone.

Powered by a Snapdragon 695 CPU processor with 8GB RAM, 256GB ROM, the Realme 10 Pro 5G creates a responsive visual experience whether for gaming purposes or daily use together with its large 5,000mAh battery to last you throughout the day.

https://www.realme.com/

This device also features a dual rear camera system that captures high-quality photos, particularly in well-lit environments and during daylight hours. The camera produces vivid colors and impressive contrast, as is typical for many Android phones.

Overall, the Realme 10 Pro 5G is an excellent budget phone that offers impressive features and capabilities for its price range. It is a great choice for those looking for a mid-range smartphone with a strong camera system, a large battery, and fast charging capabilities.

3. OPPO A78 5G

The OPPO A78 5G is a great budget phone that stands out for several reasons. It features a large and high-quality 6.5-inch LCD display, providing a vibrant and smooth visual experience for watching videos, playing games, or just browsing the web.

https://www.oppo.com/

Although it may lack the premium photo and video quality of higher end phones, this phone also has a standard camera setup which consist of 50MP + 2 MP rear camera, as well as a 8-megapixel front-facing camera which is sufficient for taking pictures of your food or answering video calls.

Overall, the OPPO A78 5G is a great budget phone that delivers a lot of value for its price. It has a large and high-quality display, good performance, capable cameras, a large battery, and an attractive design and colour option, making it an excellent option for those looking for a mid-range phone on a budget.

4. HONOR X9a 5G

Another option for a smartphone without burning a hole in your wallet is the Honor X9a 5G. It makes the list due to its impressive features and specifications that offer excellent value for its price.

Powered by a Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G CPU processor with 8GB RAM, 256GB ROM, the HONOR X9a 5G allows multitasking to be done easily and seamlessly on this phone. Topped with a large 6.67” AMOLED Curved display making it a perfect device for daily use and entertainment.

https://www.hihonor.com/

Running on Android 12 with HONOR's Magic UI 6.1 on top, the phone provides a smooth and intuitive user experience. It is good with gaming, good with multitasking, has a large screen and good battery life — all with a low price tag!

5. Samsung Galaxy A13 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A13 5G is another option for a great budget phone that offers a lot of value for its price. It is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 700 chipset and 4GB of RAM, making it capable of handling most day-to-day tasks with ease.

One of the key highlights of the Galaxy A13 5G is its camera system. It comes with a Triple: 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF + 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro) + 2MP rear camera, so that you can channel your inner photographer by capturing the best photos at the spur of the moment, effortlessly on its long-lasting 5,000mAh battery.

https://www.samsung.com/

For only RM45/month with Maxis Zerolution, you can get Samsung Galaxy A13 5G, an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly smartphone with a strong camera system, a large battery, and fast charging capabilities. It offers a great balance of performance, features, and affordability, making it an ideal choice for many users.

There are many excellent budget-friendly smartphones on the market today that offer impressive features and specifications at an affordable price. From the HONOR X9a to the Samsung A53, there is a range of options to choose from that cater to different needs and preferences.

It's important to consider the key features that are most important to you, such as camera quality, battery life, and processor speed, when selecting a smartphone suitable for your needs and wants. If you are still unsure which smartphone to choose, you may want to check out our product recommender to find the ideal device that fits your requirements.